News
Reps Appoint Prof. Ihonvbere Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight
Joel Ajayi
The Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, has been appointed Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The 21-member Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15, by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. This follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing, with amendments, the Proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
During the deliberations leading to the approval of the President’s declaration, the House resolved, among other measures, that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
Hon. Ali Isa J.C., Minority Whip, will serve as Deputy Chairman of the Committee.
Other members include Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase; Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara; and Hon. Sada Soli.
Additional members of the Committee are:Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Hon. James Barka, Hon. Alex Egbona, Hon. Isa Anka, Hon. Amos Daniel, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Hon. Fatima Talba, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, and Hon. Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
The Committee is mandated to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration operates within the bounds of the law, and safeguard the public interest while working towards the restoration of full democratic governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier appointed Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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